Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 503

Emma knew what Gentry was trying to imply. He was subtly assuring her that even if his family was against their relationship, he had the means to provide her and her daughter a happy life. But she didn’t want a love that wasn’t blessed by family. She saw how her sister and brother-in-law basked in their mutual affection, how a single glance between them could paint a picture of profound love. She yearned for in-laws like the Meyers. If she couldn’t find that, she’d rather pass it. Living her life alone was just fine.

Perhaps she was a coward, but she was content with her current life. Gentry was a bundle of contradictions. His hands were sweating in anxiety. He wanted Emma to answer right away, but he dreaded the harsh rejection he might receive. He couldn’t help but remind her, “Emma, don’t rush to answer my question. I can give you time to think it over.”

“Gentry, what do you see in me?” Emma sighed softly, and her chest was heavy with emotions. She had always been so arrogant and dismissive, never expecting that there would be someone out there who held her so dearly in his heart.

“Emma, don’t belittle yourself. You were kind in the past, and you are ambitious now. Whether it’s then or now, you have your own shine. You are worth someone’s affection.”

“I’m not that great, Gentry. My past was clouded by my own stubbornness, hurting the ones who truly cared for me and bringing a messy life. Now, I’m just a humble salesperson.”

“No, Emma, that’s not the real you. The real you is just like you are now. Actually, I saw you even before you joined the company at the Galeana family gathering. You were in rehab then, trying to stand up on your own, falling and getting up again and again. I was captivated by your strength. I have never seen a woman as strong as you. I knew then that you would stand up. Sure enough, not only did you stand up, but you also joined the company. But the you at the company is quite different from the you I have first seen.”

Reminiscing about the past, Emma gave a relieved smile. “Did you find me annoying then?”

“Not at all. I was just wondering what made you change so drastically. I knew you weren’t like that. Why were you living like a porcupine, all prickly and defensive? Later, I heard from the chairman about your childhood. I understood then that you were just craving your father’s attention. Everything you did was just to make him see you differently.”

This was the first time Gentry had spoken at such length. Emma had always thought of him as a somewhat shy man. She was surprised that he, someone who had never been close to her, understood her so well. A smile appeared at her lips. She felt a sense of gratification, knowing that there was someone who cared for her unknowingly. She felt fortunate.

“Thank you, Gentry.”

Gentry scratched his hair. His face was slightly awkward. “Emma, there’s no need to thank me. I was just voicing my thoughts.”

Looking at the gentle and composed man in front of her, Emma couldn’t help but think how wonderful a husband he would be. If she had met him instead of Aiden, she might have had a beautiful marriage. But feelings were unpredictable and the future held too many variables. She wasn’t sure if she could make a man like him happy.

In her current state, if she ended up with Gentry and couldn’t give him the love he deserved, treating him like a family member instead, she co9uldn’t imagine what this unbalanced marriage would look like.

Emma knew her words would hurt, but she felt it was the only way to completely deter him. Taking a deep breath, she said resolutely, “Gentry, I understand your feelings, but I can’t fall in love with you. I can’t give you what you want.”

Gentry stiffened, taken aback by Emma’s blunt rejection.

Seeing the hurt in his eyes, Emma knew there was no taking back her words. She continued, “Gentry, this is the real issue between us. You are a good man, and I can’t hold you back.”